Dublin U14s Leinster Campaign begins
Leinster Championship u 14 -First Round.
Kildare v Dublin at St.Lawrences GAA Club, Grange.
Kildare 1-1 Dublin 7-17.
Kildare - B. Dunne, L. Hannon, E. Lyons, capt., Á. Dunne, B. Kearney, L.Furey, A. Murphy, C. Byrne, A. Monaghan, C. O Fearghail, S. Kendrick, R. Reidy,(0-1), M. Price, N.Mulhall, L. Scales.
Subs - K. Farrell, C. Jameson and N. Dunne (1-0).
Dublin - S. OHare, (Round Towers, Lusk), K. Mahon, (Robert Emmets), L.McGee, (Kilmacud Crokes), S. Deegan, (Fingallians), E. Colgan, capt., (0-1),(St. Margarets), A-M. Troy, (St. Brigids), C. Crotty, (Foxrock/Cabinteely),N. ONeill, (St. Brigids), F. Terry, (Clontarf), (1-2), M. Morrissey,(Castleknock), (0-1), A. Conroy, (Round Towers), Clondalkin), (2-3, 2 frees),A. Lynch, (St. Brigids), (0-6), E. Boyle, (Castleknock), H. Greer, (KilmacudCrokes), (1-0), Z. Perry, (St. Annes). (2-2).
Subs- Z. Dalton, (Naomh Barróg), (1-1), A. Kane, (Kilmacud Crokes), S.Whooley, (Foxrock/Cabinteely), K. Nyhan, (St. Brigids), (0-1) and S. Tulie,(Ballinteer St. Johns).
The Dublin u14s laid down a marker today for the remainder of theseason as they overwhelmed Kildare with a display of power, pace, strength andprecision at St. Lawrences GAA Club, Grange on Saturday. They showed signsright from the throw-in that they are ready to defend their Leinster title fromlast year. Kildare battled right to the end but bar a few forays at the startand again at the end were unable to break through the Dublin rearguard. It wasobvious early in the first half that they were in trouble when full forwardNiamh Mulhall had to be withdrawn to the defence to try and counter the Dublinonslaught. An early goal from Holly Greer got Dublin in the groove and fromthere on to the finish the scores came thick and fast. There were someoutstanding scores throughout resulting from great combination play mainlystarting from the half-back line and occasionally from the full back line.Everybody played their part in a very masterful display including the fivesubs. Such was the level of dominance that full back, Lauren McGee, spent mostof the second half camped in the Kildare half as players sought to get theirnames on the score sheet. At half-time the score read Kildare 0-1, Dublin 5-9.
Killdare goalkeeper, Brooke Dunne, battled bravely against the blue tideand brought off a number of fine saves. Captain and full back, Emma Lyons,played her heart out as the waves came at her. Sub. Niamh Dunne impressed whenshe came on late in the second half, scoring a good goal and was somewhatunlucky to have not got a second. Dublins midfielders, Niamh O Neill and FionaTerry were in total control and gave a plentiful supply of ball to theforwards. O Neills unselfish running along with Terrys ability to pick offscores were central to this comprehensive win. There were stand outperformances in the forwards from Aoibheann Lynch, Amy Conroy and Zara Perrywho contributed 4-11 between them. The defence too played a significant part insubduing the Kildare attack early on with confident displays from Sarah Deegan,Emma Colgan and Ann-Marie Troy. Any one of about ten players could be nominatedfor Player of the Match but on this occasion my nomination goes to AoibheannLynch for her intelligent link-up play and her contribution of six superb points,all from play.
The only disappointing aspect on the day was that the game started onehour late as the referee didnt reach the venue until close to 1.30pm for a12.30 throw-in. This was not satisfactory for either team as mentors did theirbest to ensure that the players remained warm and occupied on a chillyafternoon while wondering if the game was going to take place. It is only fairto say that the game was well refereed by Tom Brennan, Laois. In the end it wasa satisfactory outcome for Ken Nyhan and his fellow mentors.
